Grand Egyptian Museum Opens Near Pyramids, Showcasing Tutankhamun's Full Collection

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) officially inaugurated its doors on November 1, 2025, situated majestically at the base of the Giza pyramids, offering unparalleled views of the ancient wonders. Positioned as the globe's largest institution dedicated solely to the legacy of a single civilization, this monumental complex is strategically vital for rejuvenating Egypt’s crucial tourism sector and significantly bolstering its national economic standing. The ambitious concept for the museum originated back in the 1990s, but the actual construction phase only commenced in 2005. The massive undertaking endured significant logistical delays and numerous technical challenges over two decades before finally achieving its current spectacular realization.

This architectural marvel, designed by the renowned Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects, spans an immense area of 500,000 square meters—a footprint comparable to 70 international football fields. The structure boasts a striking, modern glass facade, which was deliberately engineered to maintain visual harmony with the landscape by not exceeding the height of the nearby ancient structures. The total investment required for the completion of the GEM project is estimated to be a staggering $1.2 billion. Inside, the scope of the collection is vast: it houses over 100,000 artifacts covering three millennia of Egyptian history, though some sources indicate the collection comprises more than 50,000 exhibits, spanning an even broader 7,000-year historical timeline.

Undoubtedly, the centerpiece of the museum’s opening is the complete, unprecedented display of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s treasures. This momentous occasion marks the first time the entire collection has been exhibited together since the initial discovery of his tomb in 1922, prominently featuring the world-renowned golden mask. Furthermore, visitors will have the unique opportunity to view the meticulously restored 4600-year-old solar boat belonging to Pharaoh Khufu, a testament to ancient engineering. Such is the sheer volume and density of the collection that, if a visitor were to dedicate just one minute to examining each individual item without taking a break, it would necessitate approximately 70 days of continuous viewing.

Following the exclusive official opening ceremony on November 1, 2025, which hosted numerous international dignitaries and heads of state, the museum will open its doors to the general public starting November 4, 2025. This date was strategically chosen to align with the 103rd anniversary of the pivotal discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Egyptian authorities are optimistic, projecting that the GEM will successfully attract up to 7 million new international visitors every year. This expected influx is considered a crucial, foundational step toward achieving the national objective of hosting 30 million tourists annually by the year 2030.

The GEM is not solely focused on preserving the past; it also demonstrates a profound commitment to the future and sustainability. In 2024, the complex secured the prestigious EDGE Advanced Green Building certificate, earning recognition as the first museum in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to attain such high standards for energy efficiency and water conservation. A magnificent six-story staircase, dramatically framed by colossal statues, guides guests toward the main exhibition halls. Here, immersive displays and cutting-edge virtual reality technology offer a radically new, interactive way to engage with antiquity, providing a welcome and necessary contrast to the often-crowded and traditional display methods of the former museum located in downtown Cairo.